2012-8802. Proposed Information Collection (Notice of Lapse-Government Life Insurance); Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to this notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine claimants' eligibility to reinstate lapsed Government Life Insurance policy.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 11, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov;​; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M33), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0128 in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS at www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or Fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Titles

a. Notice of Lapse—Government Life Insurance, VA Form 29-389.

b. Application for Reinstatement, VA Form 29-389-1.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0128.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Forms 29-389 and 29-389-1 are used to inform claimants that their government life insurance has lapsed or will lapse due to non payment of premiums. The claimant must complete the application to reinstate the insurance and to elect to pay the past due premiums. VA uses the data collected to determine the claimant's eligibility for reinstatement of such insurance.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Annual Burden

a. VA Form 29-389—3,399 hours.

b. VA Form 29-389-1—1,060 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent

a. VA Form 29-389—12 minutes.

b. VA Form 29-389-1—10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents

a. VA Form 29-389—16,993.

b. VA Form 29-389-1—6,359.

Dated: April 9, 2012.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.